Seychelles, Seashells by the Seashore – My guide to ‘the land of perpetual summer’.

As a Travel Specialist, I’m lucky enough to be able to visit some of the most beautiful corners of the world, and the Seychelles is no exception. I spent a blissful 8 nights here in March 2018.

With direct BA flights from London still in their infancy, the Seychelles is an Indian Ocean destination that is still climbing the tourism ladder. Now is the perfect time to visit therefore, as this beautiful country remains an authentic tropical paradise; something that in this day and age is rare.

An archipelago of islands, fringed with white powdery beaches, and surrounded by turquoise waters, you may be surprised to find that every single one of these land masses has its own unique character. It’s therefore highly recommended that you plan some island hopping during your stay, to really maximise your experience, and get to grips with the true nature of the Seychelles and its rich culture. Here are a few of my favourites!

Mahe

As the main island of the Seychelles, this is one of the most popular regions for tourism, as you can land, and be at your hotel within the hour. An island of towering, jungle-clad mountains, and dramatic boulders lining the beaches, its a breathtaking region, and one that shouldn’t be overlooked. I would recommend ending your holiday here, especially if you have to catch an early flight home, but spend at least three nights.

Hiring a car is a great way to see this little gem, as it gives you so much freedom to explore the national parks. As well as this, an early morning trip to the capital Victoria, to visit the local market is more than worth it, and catching the local bus adds to this experience.

My favourite hotels on Mahe are Constance Ephelia and the Four Seasons. Constance is a great option for families looking for lots of facilities, and the choice of two pristine beaches, while the Four Seasons offers luxury pool villas scattered around a turquoise bay.

Praslin

Praslin is Mahe’s smaller sister, and is accessed by a short domestic flight, or by a two hour ferry. It’s got a distinctly laid back feel to it, and offers so much in the way of natural beauty and sightseeing. This is one the only islands that you’ll find the Coco de Mer, a rare palm species that is endemic to the Seychelles, and has become a symbol of the country (just check your passport upon entry). This can be found at the Vallee de Mae national park, where a morning or afternoon tour can be taken. There are also countless stunning beaches, and you’re just a short journey from La Digue.

For me, I fell in love with Constance Lemuria, a beautifully designed luxury hotel, with three beaches, championship golf course, and a turtle conservation centre, complete with resident turtle expert, Robert. For something more boutique, L’Archipel is a lovely family-run hotel, on the Cote D’Or Bay.

La Digue

Hop on a ferry from Praslin and you’ll find yourself on the delightful island of La Digue, where everyone gets around by push bike, and there are hidden deserted beaches around every corner. Here is where the authentic Seychelles really comes to life, with the locals selling smoothies at the side of the road, and dogs happily joining you on your jaunts around the island. Whether you’re here for just the day, or a couple of nights, this island should be on everyone’s list.

There’s a beautiful boutique here called Le Domaine De L’Orangeraie, which is located right by the water, close to the jetty. It’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway for a few nights.

Private Islands

As well as the main islands, there are also so many private islands, where you’ll find everything from luxury hotels to eco lodges. These are a great option for something different, and can be easily combined with the main islands, to make the most of your Seychelles experience.

The Seychelles sits at a higher price point than some destinations, much the same as any other Indian Ocean destination. Home stays and Air BnB’s are definitely a way to keep costs down, but for that luxury touch, you’re looking at a starting point of around £6,000.